Peter Taylor Hoss

1934 - 2018

Peter Taylor Hoss

Monterey - (1934 - 2018)

On November 29, we said goodbye to Peter Taylor Hoss. Born on April 10, 1934, Peter enjoyed the rare pleasure of being born in Yosemite Valley. His father was an executive with the Yosemite Park and Curry Company and served as a part-time federal magistrate. His mother, Della Taylor Hoss, was an acclaimed California artist. Although Peter and his family left Yosemite at the beginning of World War II, when he was 8, he would continue to visit Yosemite throughout his life. He attended Palo Alto Schools, Stanford and Cornell Universities (B.A., 1955) and Stanford Law School (J.D., 1958). He served in the U.S. Army in Vicenza, Italy where he married his wife of 42 years, Patti Kozicki Hoss, who predeceased him in 2001.

Peter worked for a year in Fresno, California as a research associate for a federal judge. In 1962, he joined the law firm Noland, Hamerly, Etienne and Hoss, which still bears his name today. He was passionate about justice and spent his legal career championing client cases with his signature spirit and intellectual fortitude. He served in leadership positions in legal organizations, including Monterey County Bar Association (President, 1972), Monterey County Mediation Center, Conference of Barristers State Bar Association, and Christian Legal Society. He retired from law practice in 1999.

In retirement, Peter became a writer. He was a founding member of Central Coast Writers. His book Born in Yosemite (published in 2010), captured the historical events and personal adventures that shaped his Yosemite experience and his deep connection to the National Park. More recently, he authored a scam column in the Monterey Herald.

Those who knew Peter appreciated his kind and benevolent spirit. His Christian life was very important to him in the workplace and beyond, from its beginning in Cursillo to his involvement in Young Life of Salinas, Christians in Commerce and A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (Trustee and Advisory Board Member). Since 1975, he participated in the Church of the Good Shepherd community in Corral de Tierra.

Peter will be remembered for his fellowship and mastery of revelry. He and his wife Patti entertained many friends at their wonderful home. They created and participated in several groups devoted exclusively to fun and frivolity, including River Rats, Marshall Cup and the Buckeye. Peter was an amazing teller of jokes and shaggy dog stories. He loved board games and skinny dipping and rooting for the underdog. Later in life, Peter travelled the world, visiting an amazing array of countries and meeting new friends.

Peter had a wonderful ability to engage in life on many levels, and this is reflected in the number and diversity of his community activities: Monterey County Youth Science Center, Salinas Jaycees, Colmo del Rodeo Parade announcer 15 years, Dixieland Monterey (aka Jazz Bash by the Bay (1981-2010 Band Chairman and Past President), Salinas Steinbeck Rotary Charter member and President (2002), founding member and initial legal counsel Chamisal Tennis and Fitness Club, founding attorney and initial Board member National Steinbeck Center, and X Noble Grand Humbug E Clampus Vitis Monterey Viejo Chapter.

Peter's interest and love of Yosemite continued throughout his life. He was an employee, hiker, backpacker, skier, board member of the Ansel Adams Gallery, legacy member of the John Muir Heritage Society of the Yosemite Conservancy, and Visiting Squire at the historic Bracebridge Dinner at the Ahwahnee Hotel. He often remarked that he was born in Yosemite and never adjusted to the outside world; but he adjusted just enough to make a difference.

Peter is survived by his two sons, Martino Hoss of Seattle, WA, Vince Hoss of Keene, CA and Seattle, WA, two daughters-in-law, Maura Hoss and Wendy Hoss, and four grandchildren: Taylor, Burke, Theo and Christopher who loved him as their Papa.

A celebration of life will be held January 19, 2019 at 1 pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 301 Corral De Tierra Rd, Salinas CA 93908.

Condolences may be written to the Family at www.bermudezfamilyfunerals.com